Two more Israelis freed from Hamas captivity as ceasefire deal lingers
Two additional Israeli hostages were liberated by Israel on Thursday as a temporary ceasefire agreement with Hamas, the ruling militant group in the Gaza Strip, approached its one-week anniversary. Both individuals were transferred to the Red Cross before they ultimately made their way back to Israel, confirmed the Israel Defense Forces. The military anticipates that more hostages will also be released to the aid organization in the coming hours.
The individuals newly freed from captivity have been identified as 21-year-old Mia Schem and 40-year-old Amit Soussana. Each was detained for 55 days at the hands of Hamas before the truce was reached. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed these reports and affirmed the development.
Mia Schem, a French-Israeli national, was featured in a distressing propaganda video released by Hamas in October. Her mother, Karen Schem, shed light on the condition of her daughter at the time, expressing her deep concern for her welfare. After their long period of captivity, both Schem and Soussana are now home following the fruitful negotiations that resulted in their release from Hamas.
The latest extension of the Gaza ceasefire also follows an era marked by sporadic violence in Jerusalem and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hamas operatives are suspected in a recent fatal attack in Jerusalem, with three reported killed after being targeted at a bus stop by gunfire. The shooting came amidst ongoing strife and upheaval, posing further questions as to the long-term sustainability of peaceful coexistence in the region. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has been instrumenal in negotiations, remains dedicated to facilitating further talks in the hope of extending the Israeli-Hamas truce and securing the release of hostages held by both sides.
